“One particular item – a stylish bum bag – quickly became Leila’s favourite. It helped her feel confident and fashionable, while also providing a practical way to keep her glucose monitor close at hand. Each time she was visited afterwards, she proudly wore it.”

Leila*, aged 12, arrived in the UK with her parents after seeking asylum from Iran. Living in asylum accommodation, the family were adjusting to an unfamiliar environment while managing significant health and wellbeing challenges.

Leila lives with Type 1 Diabetes and uses a continuous glucose monitor to manage her condition. Alongside the practical demands of her health needs, Leila, aged 12, arrived in the UK with her parents after seeking asylum from Iran. Living in asylum accommodation, the family were adjusting to an unfamiliar environment while managing significant health and wellbeing challenges.

Leila lives with Type 1 Diabetes and uses a continuous glucose monitor to manage her condition. Alongside the practical demands of her health needs, the disruption of displacement and limited opportunities for everyday childhood activities began to affect her confidence and emotional wellbeing. She spent long periods indoors, with few personal belongings or activities to bring comfort or joy.

Working in partnership with Alliance for Better Care, we were able to provide vital support at a crucial time. Through the provision of high-quality, pre-loved clothes, toys and activity sets, Leila received age-appropriate items that reflected her interests and helped her feel more like herself. This support had an immediate and visible impact on her confidence and mood, playing an important role in improving her wellbeing during a period of uncertainty and transition. By restoring comfort, confidence and a sense of normality, it helped her feel valued, supported and cared for when it mattered most.

* Names changed to protect privacy.

The post Supporting Leila appeared first on Stripey Stork.

Hollie first encountered Stripey Stork at a cost-of-living event run by a local family centre. There she was given two of our age-specific activity packs, made by our volunteer team, which are filled with a selection of games, stationery, crafts, self-care items and activities to keep young minds busy.

At the time, Hollie was a single parent to a primary-age son and a teenage daughter. Her daughter, who lives with ASD and anxiety, was out of school, learning at home and facing a long wait for a suitable school place. This meant Hollie was unable to work, and as they were at home together every day, she was facing increasing bills for heating and food. Hollie focused on supporting her daughter. Despite their efforts, being away from friends and peers was very isolating, so the young girl was delighted to find the activity pack we provided was full of many of the things she loves to do, which made her feel cared for, and understood. “It was like it was made for me!,” she told us.

Seeing what an impact this unexpected gift had on her daughter, Hollie reached out to us to let us know. She said that it was clear to her and to both of her children that the packs were made with love.

Their eyes lit up. They’d never had something given to them where it was so clear, someone had really thought about what THEY need.

For Hollie, it was also an unexpected lift

Like a random act of kindness that day. It was unexpected, I didn’t know there was a service that gave out things like that. It made me feel like… Yes, this is going to really help me.

Her younger son also enjoyed exploring his pack. He isn’t a fan of puzzles, so when he discovered one of those in the bag, he chose to pass that on to a neighbour who had been unwell and in and out of hospital recently. We loved hearing about his decision to ‘pay it forward’ with his own act of kindness.

As a result of Hollie reaching out, we were able to give her more information about support available from Stripey Stork, and how to access it. She had been worrying about the rising cost of living, and how it was going to affect her children, so it was a relief to know there are places she could turn for help with clothing and school supplies as her children grew.

I used to be able to keep a little money aside for emergencies,” she told us. “That doesn’t happen now. The gas and electric keep going off, and everything costs more. It’s so hard to find enough money for what the kids need.

It can be difficult to ask for help for your family, or to explain the extent of the challenges you are facing. Hollie told us

It’s especially hard in Surrey, because it’s thought of as quite an affluent area.

Recent evidence that child poverty is rising in some areas of Surrey shows that the impression of Surrey as an ‘affluent county’ is not the lived reality for many children and families. Our own work, and the stories we hear, confirm this.

It can be hard to know where to start to get help when you are not already receiving support from health or social care professionals. Our ‘get help’ page can help to explain the process.

After speaking to us, Hollie and her daughter offered to give some feedback on some of our teen packs, and our service. Shortly after that, she became a member of our advisory panel, using her lived experience to help us help others.

When I was offered the opportunity to join the Advisory Panel, I felt honoured. I already loved the organisation’s values and the way they genuinely help families.

In 2023, Hollie was with us when we welcomed presenter Charlotte Hawkins to our warehouse as part of the Baby Bank On Us campaign, and spoke openly about her experience in the national news.

Her journey then came full circle in 2024, when she went on to work for a parent wellbeing service, where she regularly referred families to Stripey Stork. She describes the experience of being able to help other parents.

It felt deeply important, to understand “it’s ok not be ok sometimes” and help remove shame that’s embedded in some families. I understood exactly what those families were going through because I had been there myself.

Today, as well as serving on our advisory panel, Hollie is part of the Domestic Abuse Surrey Expert by Experience Network (DA Seen), and through a referral to us, helped to support survivors with specially designed trauma care packs. She is completing her University degree, and volunteers with us regularly in the warehouse, making up bundles for children and families. Her daughter, now 17, comes in with her, and they are both enjoying being part of the team.

Coming into the warehouse to volunteer, with my daughter by my side, has been especially powerful. Seeing the love and care that goes into every referral shows how deeply Stripey Stork values families. It is not just about items, it is about dignity, compassion, and community.

We’re so grateful to Hollie and her family for sharing their experiences with us, encouraging other families to ask for help, and for helping us show the impact of the funding and donations provided by the community who support us, too.

Do you have a family feedback story to share? Get in touch with us by emailing communications@stripeystork.org.uk.

The post Hollie’s Story – Full Circle appeared first on Stripey Stork.

The first time I received help from Stripey Stork, I had a very young baby, and my partner was really unwell and unable to work. We were surviving on very little income, and had debt.

Initially, I received a cot, a mattress, a high chair, and baby clothes. As time went on, there were other things I needed, and was able to get. My daughter is now four years old, and whenever I’ve asked for help I’ve always been answered. I’ve also received help without having to ask for it in the form of Mother’s Day gift bags, for example.

Without this support, I would have suffered worrying, spending hours on Facebook marketplace or Gumtree, even looking on the streets, trying to find free things. And we would have gone without. I would have ended up co-sleeping with my daughter and partner, which I was worried would not be safe as he was on heavy medication at the time.

Later, when I had to start again as a single parent, finances were really tight. I would not have been able to get the things my daughter needed – like things to support potty training, clothes for nursery and then uniform for school.

Initially I found it very difficult to ask for help – I didn’t know you needed a referral and I’d never had to access any charity or help before. It was because I spoke to my health visitor that I found out that she could put in a referral for me. She was so sweet, and picked up all of the stuff and carried it up two flights of steps for me! Now I know more about Stripey Stork I know that I have no reason to be scared to ask for help and I’m more likely to actually ask for what I need and to not be afraid.

I was encouraged to access support when I was in the process of sorting out a lot of worries – credit card debt and life admin that had all built up and needed addressing. At first this felt like another thing, another duck I had to put in a row, but it felt good to be proven wrong in that – my demons said I’m going to get laughed at or demonised for asking for help, but I wasn’t, I was encouraged, and congratulated and so this actually helped me to keep opening my letters, sorting out my life admin and getting my ducks in a row.

I’ve also had the opportunity to help Stripey Stork by becoming a member of their Advisory Panel. I enjoy getting involved, whether that’s with a feedback meeting or speaking at the opening of their new warehouse last summer – it has helped me with confidence with public speaking, with meeting people – particularly people in positions of power. In those moments I’ve felt heard, validated, and like a worthy human.

Stripey Stork have such a good understanding of families’ situations, how hardship and people’s needs are changeable – they know that sometimes that means moving in an emergency, sometimes that means asking for more than one clothing package, and sometimes that means asking for presents for Christmas.

If there’s anyone out there reading this and wondering, I need this support, the best advice I can give is, ask for help. There’s a lot of strength in vulnerability. When you start opening your post, emails and getting your life admin in order, and you find out about routes to support like this and realise they’re really quite straightforward, life gets a lot brighter, but its baby steps – you don’t live your life all at once, it’s moment by moment.

It might feel like you have absolutely nothing and have nowhere else to go or no way of helping your family, and then Stripey Stork can turn around and say here, here’s a brand new cot, or there’s a toilet training kit and a potty. They always try to go above and beyond, and try and catch you if you fall. They help you carry those heavy everyday paving slabs that you take every step with – the worries that are always with you when you’re in poverty – issues like buying new school shoes or spare uniform, like giving you toys that have new batteries in them ( ‘cause batteries are expensive!) You’re treated with such dignity and kindness. It helps you hold your chin up so you can look forward.

If Yssy’s story resonates with you, please know that you’re not alone, and support is available. We works with professionals, who can make referrals quickly and simply, to provide essential items and practical help to parents and carers who need it. You can find out more about how to access support and how to get a referral by visiting the help page on our website.

The post Yssy’s Story appeared first on Stripey Stork.

This situation was the result of the family having No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), leaving them with very limited access to financial support. Living in Banstead with their two young sons aged two and a half and 18 months, the family also faced significant language barriers – with English as an additional language, navigating services and understanding professional roles was incredibly challenging,  and they often relied on translation apps to communicate. .

Alongside these difficulties, the family was dealing with some serious health concerns. The eldest child has craniosynostosis, a condition that affects the development of the bones in the skull, and had recently undergone major surgery. Mum also had some ongoing health issues linked to both pregnancies, which were further impacting her physical and emotional wellbeing.

Lori from the Early Support Service team at Surrey County Council, who was supporting the family, saw just how exhausted and overwhelmed they were when she first met them. Recognising the urgency of the situation, she reached out to Stripey Stork for a care package. The aim was simple but vital: to ensure each member of the family had their own toothbrush so they no longer had to share. Knowing the wide range of items we provide, Lori also requested clothing and toys for the children, which our volunteers were happy to pack up with care.

The impact was immediate, and moving. The children were so delighted to have their own toothbrushes that Mum had to hide them, so they didn’t constantly play with them – a small but powerful moment that showed how much these everyday items mattered. The toys were also a hit, with the children eagerly taking them out one by one and starting to play straight away. Although the family finds it difficult to engage fully with services due to language and confidence barriers, their gratitude was unmistakable, with big smiles all round.

Since receiving support, Lori is pleased to report that further positive progress has taken place. Mum’s trust in getting help has gradually grown, and she now engages more openly and confidently. She has taken the step of asking about dental care for the children, something that would have felt too challenging and complex just a few weeks ago.

For professionals like Lori, who work closely with families facing multiple challenges, having access to a service like Stripey Stork is invaluable. When statutory services are stretched and families are excluded from public funding, timely, practical and flexible support can make the difference between a situation worsening or beginning to stabilise.

Reflecting on the impact of this support, Lori shared:

The care packages you provide bring so much joy, comfort, and dignity to families who are facing incredibly difficult circumstances. From essential items to toys and clothing, your support makes a real and lasting difference. The smiles on children’s faces and the relief felt by parents speak volumes about the impact of your kindness. Your dedication truly changes lives.

This work is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters and funders. Every donated item, every hour volunteered and every pound given helps ensure families like this one don’t have to go without the basics and that children can experience moments of joy, comfort and normality, even during the hardest of times. If you would like to donate to Stripey Stork and help us to provide brand new toiletries to families like this one, you can make a financial donation. Thank you.

The post Sharing a Toothbrush: A glimpse into hidden hardship appeared first on Stripey Stork.

The children were huddled together under towels, trying to keep warm in a bitterly cold flat.

Andrea*, a single mum with three primary school aged children, unexpectedly lost her job. They were forced to leave the family home and move into emergency accommodation in Surrey. For three months they lived together in a small hotel room, trying to create a sense of normality in a place that was never meant to be a home.

They waited patiently for something more suitable, when eventually a one-bedroom flat became available. It was far from ideal, but after months in limbo it offered stability and felt like a gift. Because they owned so little, the move was quick, but it was also a stark reminder of how few belongings they had.

During a conversation with Helen*, an NHS Community Nursery Nurse, Andrea mentioned that they had no bedding in the new flat. Helen immediately said she would refer them to Stripey Stork for bedding, pyjamas and clothing, though it may take a couple of days. Mum thanked her, giving no hint of the urgency of their situation.

But at midnight that same night, the truth came out. Helen received a panicked phone call – the temperature had plummeted, the children were freezing, and only then did mum reveal they had nothing to sleep under. No duvets. No blankets. The children were huddled together under towels, trying to keep warm in a bitterly cold flat.

Knowing they could not endure another night like this, Helen acted immediately. The next morning, as snow began to fall in Reigate, she arrived at the warehouse a full day earlier than planned, hoping warm bedding packs could be put together quickly.

Our volunteers didn’t hesitate. Despite the freezing weather outside, the warmth inside the warehouse was undeniable as duvets, sheets, winter clothing packs and cosy pyjamas were gathered in record time.

More worries soon emerged. The children’s school had told mum they wouldn’t be allowed to play outside without warm coats – something she simply could not afford. Thanks to generous coat donations collected by the community since early October, we were able to include a winter coat for each child.

We also added winter warmer bundles – funded by Surrey County Council’s Fuel Poverty Programme – each containing a hat, gloves and a blanket to keep the cold at bay. A larger sized bundle was included for mum to wear on the school run.

What began as a freezing, frightening night ended with hope, comfort and the reassuring warmth of community support. Instead of towels, the children had duvets. Instead of shivering, they slept. And instead of facing the cold alone, they learnt the kindness of strangers.

* Names changed to protect privacy.

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When Aisha* and her 6-month-old baby were first referred to Stripey Stork, their situation was desperate.

Baby had no safe space to sleep and was co-sleeping with mum.
They had just two nappies left.
Money for food was limited – mum could barely afford to feed herself, let alone begin weaning.
Baby clothes were too small – she’d been wearing them since birth.
There was no buggy for going out, no toys to play with.

Their need was urgent.

Aisha, 19, came to the UK from Nigeria on a student visa. Halfway through her course, she discovered she was pregnant. Alone and without family support, she tried to build a new life, but things quickly became very difficult.

The unborn baby’s father wanted nothing to do with them. She later moved in with someone who promised to take care of her and the baby, but the relationship soon turned abusive. It came to a head after an altercation in which he became violent, forcefully throwing the baby onto the bed. Aisha reported him to police and he fled.

Left with no home, no support and no access to public funds or work, Aisha felt trapped. She was determined to make things better for her baby but didn’t know where to turn – until Croydon Children’s Services stepped in.

Brenda, her social worker, had used Stripey Stork many times before so knew we could help. She made an urgent referral for a cot bed with a new mattress, highchair, buggy, nappies, clothes, toys and books – everything they needed for their new beginning.

Brenda could barely fit it all in her car, but she was determined to deliver everything in one go. Aisha was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw everything, saying tearfully:

“Thank you so much. I honestly don’t know what I’d have done without all this support.”

When Brenda visited them again in their new, self-contained room, the difference was remarkable.

Baby was sleeping well in her own bed and had established a bedtime routine, making her more alert and content. She was eating well, playing with her new toys and smiling in clothes that finally fit. Mum was visibly more confident, calmer and settling well into motherhood. In turn, baby seemed more relaxed and less clingy.

Brenda told us that Aisha’s story isn’t unique. Since working in Croydon, she’s seen the scale of hardship firsthand:

“A significant number of Croydon families are struggling to buy the basics like nappies, so they leave longer between nappy changes. Parents focus on survival and forget that play is vital for children’s development – but they simply can’t afford toys.”

She added:

“Without Stripey Stork, I honestly don’t know how I’d have helped. The local authority can only offer a one-off £50 payment, which wouldn’t have come close to covering what this family needed. The alternative would have been me desperately asking for donations from friends and family.”

The family is now being supported by a long-term care team, who continue to access Stripey Stork’s services.

We wish Aisha and her baby all the best for the future – and we’ll be here for them, whenever they need us, thanks to your support.

* Name changed to protect privacy.

The post A cot, a fresh start and a new beginning appeared first on Stripey Stork.

Last year, one family’s story captured exactly why Santa Stork matters so much. Just before Christmas, they faced having to leave their rented home and move into emergency accommodation. It was a sudden and stressful upheaval – new surroundings, unfamiliar routines and the uncertainty of what would come next. Every penny they had went towards the move, leaving nothing spare for Christmas. The parents faced the difficult realisation that, for the first time, they wouldn’t be able to give their children any presents. The excitement that usually surrounded the festive season had been replaced with worry and disappointment.

Thankfully, a support worker at the children’s school knew about Santa Stork and quickly made a referral. Within days, she was able to collect a brand new gift  for each of the children, carefully chosen by the project volunteers and accompanied by a range of stocking fillers. When the support worker delivered the gifts to the family, the parents  were visibly moved that complete strangers could be so thoughtful and generous. Tears came as they spoke about how much the support meant to them and how it lifted a huge weight off their shoulders. This is the true spirit of Santa Stork, and the difference every gift makes. It’s more than just a gift – it’s a message of kindness, hope, and solidarity. None of it would be possible without the incredible support of local people, businesses and schools who donate new gifts or fundraise to help us reach every family referred. Together, we can help make sure Christmas can be a magical time for every family, no matter what challenges they’re facing.

We would love for you to get involved either by donating a gift, making a financial donation or organising a collection at your work, school, club or community group. Visit our Santa Stork webpage for more information.

The post Santa Stork – Spreading joy when it’s needed most appeared first on Stripey Stork.

It’s been a turbulent year for the family. Mum, young and single, was moved into temporary accommodation – a converted office block – far away from her home borough and everything familiar. Isolated and vulnerable, even the daily journey to nursery required two buses and felt overwhelming.

Although Neve has begun to thrive at her new nursery, their sleeping arrangements were causing problems. The property came with a double bed, but Mum feared it was too high and risky, particularly with Neve’s epilepsy. Worried she might fall or fit during the night, they resorted to co-sleeping on the sofa. The lounge also doubled as a kitchenette, surrounded by appliances, making it an unsafe and uncomfortable place to sleep.

Their Family Support Worker at nursery, noticed Neve was increasingly tired during the day and struggling to concentrate. Sessions crucial for Neve’s development were being missed or attended late.

At the time, finances were at breaking point. Mum, already in debt, had only just resolved her gas and electric being cut off. Buying a bed, mattress and bedding felt impossible – and would have pushed them further into crisis.

A referral was made to Stripey Stork, and we were able to provide a toddler bed, new mattress and age-appropriate bedding.

The impact was immediate. Both are now sleeping safely and peacefully in their own beds. Neve’s attendance has improved, and she’s noticeably happier and more alert. She finally has the bedtime routine she desperately needed.

Their Family Support Worker told us:

“This donation has provided a basic item that most people take for granted, and as such has made life that much easier for them. The level of trust that has been achieved, and knowing that there is help out there, has really strengthened their relationship with the nursery.”

Mum is “over the moon” with their new setup, and Neve loves her “big girl bed”. With proper sleep, life feels more manageable, and Mum no longer feels she’s facing life alone.

The family now has a stronger network of support in place, and Stripey Stork is proud to be part of that. We’ve since prepared a big bundle of clothes for Neve and will continue to help as the seasons change and she grows. We’ll be there for them, however long they need us.

* Name changed to protect privacy.

The post From shared sofa to big girl bed appeared first on Stripey Stork.

Through the support of their local sponsor, Volodymyr and his family were able to access support from Stripey Stork at a time when they needed help the most. We were able to provide them with essential items such as clothing, toiletries and bedding, giving them the basic comforts that are often taken for granted but can make an enormous difference for families starting over in a new country. These vital provisions helped the family settle in during those first uncertain weeks, offering not just physical support, but a sense of security and welcome as they began to rebuild their lives in Reigate.

Volodymyr remembers this support vividly. “I have never forgotten this kindness and the way it made us feel welcome and safe,” he told us. It’s moments like these that remind us why our work is so important, helping people not just survive, but to also feel cared for and valued during times of upheaval.

Now aged 16, Volodymyr wants to give back. This September, he will take part in Run Reigate, running the 5K race to raise funds for Stripey Stork. But he’s not stopping there. His goal is to take on longer running events over the next year, continuing to fundraise while challenging himself physically.

For us at Stripey Stork, it’s incredibly moving to see someone who has been helped by our charity turn that experience into action to help others. The money Volodymyr raises will directly support families experiencing hardship, giving them the essentials they need to support their children. Every pound raised helps ensure that these families can find warmth and security during their most vulnerable times.

Volodymyr’s story is a beautiful reminder of the ripple effect that compassion can create. Thanks to supporters like him, and thanks to people who donate items to us, we can continue to provide vital help to those who need it most.

If you’d like to support Volodymyr on his journey and help other families start over with hope, you can donate to his Run Reigate fundraising page. Together, we can keep the spirit of giving alive and make sure no family goes without.

Update 24/09/2025

On Sunday 21st September Volodymyr took on the Run Reigate 5k aiming to raise £200 for Stripey Stork. Prior to the event he reached out to the wider community via the We Love Reigate Facebook group. Within two days, he had raised over £1,000! He’s been overwhelmed by the generosity and kindness of strangers, something he’d never experienced until moving here:

I just wanted to say that Sunday was truly one of the most unforgettable days of my life. Every runner was amazing, and I had the chance to meet some really great people from Team Stork while running. The atmosphere was incredible, and the support at the finish line is something I’ll never forget.

We really enjoyed meeting Volodymyr and his family and are so grateful for his enthusiasm and support.

The post Volodymyr’s Journey of Gratitude and Giving Back appeared first on Stripey Stork.

We were helping a family with clothing and school uniform at a time when money was tight and even the essentials were hard to afford. The referral partner supporting the family let us know that the young boy had a passion for football and wanted to join a local team, but his family simply couldn’t afford the boots he needed. Without them, he was unable to take part in something he clearly loved and excelled at.

Football boots aren’t something we’re often asked for, so we don’t usually keep many in stock. When they do come in, we’ll often pass them on to other community projects, knowing they’ll soon find the right home. But this time was different. By chance, we had a pair waiting, just the right size, in great condition and donated by a child who’d simply grown out of them. Their family had passed them on, hoping they might bring joy to someone else. And they did.

Those boots became the key to unlocking a young boy’s dream. With them, he could finally join his local football team and play the game he loved. A few months later, his talent shone so brightly that he caught the attention of Chelsea FC scouts.

The referral partner who shared this story mentioned that she jokingly told him to remember where his first boots came from when he achieves great things in the future. As lovely a sentiment as this is, the message behind this story is no joke – by removing this small obstacle, he was given the opportunity to pursue his passion and to showcase his talent.

This is a powerful reminder that it’s often the simplest items, ones we might take for granted, that can make the biggest difference in a child’s life. Access to opportunities like this can shape a child’s future, build their confidence and open doors to possibilities that might otherwise remain closed.

To everyone who supports Stripey Stork: this story is a testament to the impact you are making. Every item you donate, every pound you contribute and every effort you make helps to change lives.

To the young footballer: We’re proud to have played a small part in your journey and will be cheering you on as you chase your dreams.

Please do see our up to date wish list for items that we currently need and for details on how to donate.

The post From Football Boots to a Bright Future: An Inspiring Story appeared first on Stripey Stork.